Device for the automatic central format setting in a composing and linecasting machine

ABSTRACT

The invention includes a device for automatically setting, in response to a key operation or a perforated control tape signal, the line length controlling elements of a linecasting machine. These elements are generally the assembler slide, the particular mold in use, the vise jaws, the slug ejection mechanism, and, in machines equipped with a saw, the saw. When the saw is provided, there is no need to change the mold in use or to alter the ejection mechanism.

United States Patent Karl Debns Bad Hamburg, Germany 728,030 May 9, 1968 Oct. 12, 1971 Linotype GmbII Frankfurt am Main, Germany May 11, 1967 Germany L 56,484

Inventor Appl. No. Filed Patented Assignee Priority DEVICE FOR THE AUTOMATIC CENTRAL FORMAT SETTING IN A COMPOSING AND LINECAS'I'ING MACHINE 5 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

Int. Cl 1341b 9/06 Field of Search [99/52, S9, 18, 25, 47-55,]

ReIer ences Cited UNITED-STATES PATENTS Mills O'Connor et a1. Hilpman et a1. Netznik et al Rossetto et al. Netznik et al Netznik Primary ExaminerErnest T. Wright, Jr. Attorney-William P. Keegan ABSTRACT: The invention includes a device for automatically setting, in response to a key operation or a perforated control tape signal, the line length controlling elements of a linecasting machine. These elements are generally the assembler slide, the particular mold in use, the vise jaws, the slug ejection mechanism, and, in machines equipped with a saw," the saw. When thesaw is provided, there is no need to change the mold in use or to alter the ejection mechanism.

PATENTEDRT 12l97l 3.622.258

sum 10F 5 Fig.7

INVENTOR: Karl osaus ATTORNEY PAIENTFU' I 121971 3.622.259

sumajnr 5 Fig. 3

INVENTOR: Karl oseus ATTBFQNEY FATENTFUFST 121s?! 8.622.259

SaiCEI u cr 5 V INVENTOR:

Knd oeaus ATTORNEY PATENTEDYT' 12 m INVENTGZ:

Kort oesus 9 MWMM ATTORNEY curacy only once for all following lines. For any different for- The invention is concerned with a device for the automatic central format setting in a composing and linecasting machine, controllable by means of keys or perforated tape,in which the movement into their working position of the machine elements controlling the format is determined by a selectable stop.

A changeover to a different format, i.e., a different line length, in a composing and linecasting machine (hereinafter referred to simply as a linecasting machine) necessitates a change of the molds, the ejector, the assembler, and of the vise; or, in case all lines being cast to the same length and consequently cut to the desired length by means of a saw attached to the linecasting machine, or a separate table saw, a change in the assembler, the jaws, and the saw. These operations are rather time consuming and generally are effected by manual control. They require a high degree of care and attention on the part of the operator. it is the purpose of the invention to simplify the setting of the fomiat and to automate it in order to increase the operating speed of the linecasting machine, to decrease requirements in respect of the operator's attention, and to effect the possibility of remote control of this function.

In the prior art it is known to centralize the format setting of a linecasting machine equipped with a saw by effecting the adjustment of the left-hand, movable vise jaw, the adjustment of the stop for the assembler slide as well as the adjustment of the setting of the saw simultaneously by means of a common crank (see Linotype Post No. 24, Apr. i955, pages 8-10). To do this, however, it is still necessary for the operator to manually set the format with extreme accuracy, an operation which often causes a considerable decrease of the effective productivity of the linecasting machine, especially where work necessitating a frequent change of formats is concerned.

German Pat. No. 660,289 discloses for this purpose a saw, the movement of which to its working position is determined by a stop. The position of the stop is variable and it is determined by the nose of a special (blind) matrix which is added to the line of matrices in accordance with the desired line measure. The method, however, has a number of disadvantages which may be the reason for the fact that it was never used in practice. For example, to use this method the operator would now have to determine the line measure for each line with a high degree of accuracy, requiring additional attention. Even if the time required for this operation is relatively short, the

added amount of time required for a complete typesetting work is decidedly to be felt. Further, this method cannot guarantee an exact line measure for any length of time since the play of the necessary transfer linkage cannot be avoided and is liable to change in an undeterminable way. Finally, the device necessary for this purpose is rather expensive and subject to failures, and its fitting into an existing linecasting machine requires considerable modifications, especially since the scanning of the nose of the special matrix can only be done after the line has been justified.

it is the object of the invention to avoid the disadvantages of this known method and to create a device which is essentially simpler, more exact, more adaptable, and safer, and which allows higher operating speeds than does the known method.

in accordance with the invention the above object is achieved by preselecting a given number of fixed stops and, for the setting of the desired format, using one of these preselected fixed stops and bringing it into the path of movement of one of the format determining elements. For example, the stop may be moved into the path of movement of the saw slide. This arrangement has the advantage that the format need not be selected and set anew for each line, since in the present case the selected stop of a desired format remains in the path of movement of the format-determining element for all following lines. Moreover, the new arrangement has the advantage of a high degree of accuracy, since no parts liable to wear are used. The main advantage, however, lies in the fact that the format is to be set with the required high degree of acslide or a cylinder turning round an axis parallel to the path of mat selection it is necessary only to provide a signal which is indicative of the preselected stop that should be brought into the path of movement of the format-deten'nining element. in, this way, the mechanism disclosed is extremely suitable for remote control from punched paper tape or directly from electronic data processing (EDP) system.

in a further structural embodiment of the invention, a first line of matrices ready to be delivered is held in the intermediate channel beyond the end of machine cycle; then'the format determining elements are brought into an extreme position, i.e., into that position corresponding to the maximum line length. Thereafter, the fixed stop then in the path of movement of the one fon'nat determining element is replaced by the selected fixed stop. The format-determining elements are next moved towards the minimum line length position until the one format determining element rests on the selected stop and, finally, the arrested line of matrices is released and the linecasting machine started again. in order to permit the movement'of the one format determining element onto the always initially brought to the sameextreme maximum line length position. v

in carrying out the invention, the stop which defines the movement of the format-determining elements into their working position is fixed, and is located directly in the path of movement of one of the format determining elements. This device has the advantage, in comparison with the known device, that it is constructed very simply and thus is very safe in operation, and that it can be attached to an existing linecasting machine in a very simple manner. Finally, this device is well suited for remote control from paper tape or directly from an EDP system, since it does not require extensive setting instructions or signals.

in a further embodiment of the invention the fixed stop is located, together with several other fixed stops, on a common a.

carrier which is movable into the path of movement of the one format determining element. This arrangement has the ad vantage that the stops may be exchanged very simply, fast, and with precision, solely by moving the carrier to a new position. This is important especially when the linecasting machine is under remote control from paper tapeor an EDP system. Preferably, the carrier is movable transversely to the path of movement of the one format-detennining element, so that it does not allow any movement of the stops in the direction of the path of movement. it may be constructed as a movable movement of the format element. in such case it is'advantageous to fit the fixed stops either parallel to the cylinder axis on one of its front faces or radially in a circle on its outer surface. a

The stops in the carrier may be fixed to it or individually removable from it. in this case, the preselectionof the stops is FIG. 1 is a schematic, fragmentary view in perspective of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a similar view of a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a similar view of a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of part of the apparatus shown in F K]. 3; and

FIG. is a schematic diagram of the control circuitry for the apparatus of FIG. 3.

For purposes of this disclosure the drawing only contains those assemblies of a linecasting machine necessary for the understanding of the invention, since the construction and working method of a linecasting machine has been long known and are described in detail in many sources (see, for instance, Linotype Instruction Book, Berlin and Frankfurt, l96l In order to allow a simpler illustration and better means of comparison between the three embodiments of the invention, all three are described as being attached to a linecasting machine which is equipped with one of the known line saws fitted between its knife block and galley. The invention, however, is by no means limited to the use of such a line saw. To the contrary, it is generally applicable to all linecasting machines, especially such where mold and ejector blades remain always set to the same measure, e.g., the maximum line length, and where all lines cast to this measure are cut to the desired length by means of a table-mounted saw.

A linecasting machine equipped with a line saw, chosen as an example, possesses three format determining elements.

First, in the assembling elevator where the matrices are asscmbled in line between the assembler slide finger and the star wheel, there is the adjustable stop for the assembler slide. Secondly, in the vise between the jaws of which the matrix line movable left-hand jaw. And, thirdly, in the saw apparatus which cuts the excess part of the slug from a cast line, there is the mechanism which adjusts the height, i.e., the position, of the saw blade.

The three format-determining elements are normally coupled together via a number of spindles and gears and thus may be set commonly by means of a crank. This is illustrated in the more detailed FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows, in the left-hand upper comer, two jaws I and 2. The left-hand jaw 1 is movable and is threaded on an adjusting screw 3. A further screw 3', movable with the adjusting screw 3, is fitted with a nut 4 which in turn is connected to a line length indicator scale 5. The scale 5 is fitted, at its opposite end, with an abutment 6 which actuates the line-limiting switch I on the assembler slide 8. By means of the adjusting screw 3 the left-hand jaw l and the abutment 6 are movable horizontally in the same direction. The assembler slide 8 is, in a known manner,fitted at its left-hand side with the assembler slide finger (not shown), and is moved to the left-hand side by means of the matrices assembled between it is tightly compressed during the casting operation, there is the v and the star wheel (also not shown). When the line-limiting switch 7 is actuated by its engagement with abutment 6, it passes a command to the lineeasting machine indicating that the line has become justifiable. A switch 9 also mounted on the assembler slide 8 indicates that the line is too full as when the assembly of matrices continues until switch 9 engages abutment 6. The line length indicator scale 5 enables the set format to be read by the machine operator.

The line saw consists of a saw housing 10 in which a saw blade (not shown) is mounted on a saw spindle 12. A flywheel II is also mounted on spindle 12. The saw spindle 12 is driven by a drive motor 14 via an endless belt 92, the double pulley 21, and endless belt 90, pulley 210, an intermediate spindle 13 and an endless belt 91. The saw housing 10 is held by a saw slide 15 which glides on a casting 16. By means of a saw adjusting screw 17 the saw slide 15, and with it the saw housing 10 with the saw blade, can be adjusted in a vertical direction. 3

The adjusting screw 3 as well as the additional screw 3' are connected to a dial bracket unit 20 via a gear drive 18. Also connected to the dial bracket unit 20 via a bevel gear drive 19 is the saw adjusting screw 17. In this way, the three format determining elements that is, the vise jaw, assembler slide 8, and line saw housing 10 can be commonly adjusted by means of the crank handle 20a of the dial bracket unit 20. v

In accordance with theinvention this automatic central format setting is to be realized by fixed stops in the path of movement of one of the format-determining elements. In the three embodiments of the invention, the path of movement of the 75 mat rod 27. The

saw slide 15 has been chosen for this purpose. The stops could, however, be providedalso in the path of movement of the assembler slide 8, or that of the left-hand jaw 1.

FIG. 1 illustrates the first embodiment of the invention in a schematic manner. The parts of the line saw already described are named identically to FIG. 3. The drive of the intermediate spindle 13 from the drive motor 14 is rerouted via a double pulley 21 which further drives a reverse clutch 22. With the help of clutch 22 a pulley 23 and also V-belt driven pulley 24, keyed to the saw-adjusting screw 17, can be coupled when desired to the continuously rotating double pulley 21, either directly by a V-belt 230 or via a reverse gear (not shown):

fitted to the reverse clutch 22. This permits the upwards or downwards movement of the saw slide 15 and the saw housing 10 connected to it, as well as the saw blade which is located in the housing 10. In this way, also the other two format-determining elements, that is, the vise jaw I'and the assembler slide 8, of the linecasting machine are adjusted by means of the bevel gear drive 19 and the gear drive 18. The adjustment can also be undertaken manually through the crank handle 20a of the dial bracket unit 20.

A format drum 25, rotatable in an axis parallel to the path of movement of the saw slide 15, is located in the path of movement of the saw slide 15. The format drum 25 is rotated by openings of the format drum 25, and adjustable by means of setscrews (not shown) and counter nuts 28.

The saw slide 15 is provided, on its left-hand side, with two limit switches 29 and 30. The upper switch 29 is actuated by a bracket 31 on casting 1 (FIG. 3), firmly fitted to the linecasting machine, when the saw slide 15 is in its upper final position. The lower switch 30 is actuated by a rod 32 which is mounted inside the saw slide I5. To the rod 32 is fitted an angle bar 33, one side of which is positioned exactly above one of the rods 27 in the fonnat drum 25, and the two of them, i.e., rod 32 and bar 33, are mounted in such a way as to permit a slight vertical motion with respect to slide IS. The lower switch 30 is actuated when the angle bar 33 carried by saw slide 15 strikes the rod 27 lying below it when the slide 15 is driven downwardly by clutch 22.

The reverse clutch 22 and the stepping switch device 26 are actuated by a control device 34. The control device 34 receives its commands for a format change either from a control board 35, equipped with indicator keys 81 to 88 (FIG. 5) and located at the side of the keyboard of the linecasting machine or, in case of prepunched tape operation, from an operating unit 36 (FIG. 2) controlled by a punched tape. The operating unit 36 may be the well-known Teletypesetter operating unit.

The device for the automated central fomtat setting in accordance with FIG. 1 works as follows:

In preparation of the typesetting work, the format rods 27 necessary for this work are selectedin sucha way that for each desired format a format rod 27, in'the required length, is ins serted into the format drum 25 into'a chosen position, suitabl for the quick execution of the job. If now,in the course cl operation of the linecasting machine a change of format is required, the line block of the automatic mold turning device holds a just-delivered matrix line in the intermediate channel of the machine. As previously indicated, the format change can be effected through the control device 34 either by pressing the respective indicator key in the control board 35 or by the respective punched tape combination being read in the operating unit 36; Consequently, the reverse clutch 22 is actuated and drives the saw adjusting screw 17 by means of pulleys 23 and 24 in such a direction that the saw slide 15 is moved in an upwards direction until the upper limit switch 29 strikes the actuating bracket 31 on casting 16. In this way, the angle bar 33 comes to a standstill, safely above the longest forstepping switch device 26 is then actuated positioned exactly below the angle bar 33. For this purpose, the format drum 25 is preferably brought into a starting position, for instance by means of a torsion spring (not illustrated) and then the stepping switch device 26 is actuated with the required number of impulses. After the desired format rod 27 is brought to position, the reverse clutch 22 is actuated in the opposite direction and saw slide 15 moves in a downward direction, until the angle bar 33 strikes the selected format rod 27 and actuates the lower limit switch 30 by means of the rod he, assembler slide 8, left-hand vise jaw l and line saw housing are brought to the desired format. Finally, the blocked matrix line is released by the line block of the automatic moldturning device and the linecasting machine is brought into operation again, with the casting operation being carried out in the new format. t

A second embodiment of the invention is schematically. il lustrated in FIG. 2. Here, too, the already described parts of H08. 1 and 3 are named identically. This embodiment is dif ferent from the embodiment shown in H0. I essentially only in the drive mechanism for the saw-adjusting screw 17 and the construction of the format drum 125. The saw-adjusting screw l7, which moves the saw slide in a vertical direction on casting i6, is in this case driven by an adjustment drive motor 37 through the bevel gear drive 93. The adjustment drive motor 37 is controlled by the control device 34 and in addition to moving the saw slide 15 moves the other two format determining elements, i.e., vise jaw l and assembler slide 8. While this is not illustrated in FIG. 2 it is accomplished through a second level gear set, such as 19 in H6. 3, which is connected to saw adjusting screw 17 and to a gear unit 18 as in FIG. 3. The FIG. 2 embodiment has the advantage, in comparison with the device shown in FIG. I, that the automatic setting of these two format determining elements, i.e'., vise jaw l and assembler slide 8 can also be effected if no line saw and its respective drives 10 to [4 exists.

The format drum 125 again is rotatable in an axis parallel to the path of movement of the saw slide l5 by means of a stepping switch device 26. in this case, hbwever, the format rods 127, serving as fixed stops for the saw slide 15 are inserted in a radial direction into holes 73 provided in the outer surface of the format drum [25. The position of the stop 127 is determined in this case by the selection of the holes 73 in the )2. in this way, the three format-determining elements, that is outer face of the drum 125 and by the diameter of that part of the format rod 127 that lies outside this hole 73.

The saw slide 15 is again equipped with the upper limit switch 29 which works in connection with the fixed actuating mat setting in accordance with FIG. 2 is very similar to that of the embodiment HO. 1. First, in the preparation of the typesetting work, the necessary format rods 127 are inserted into the suitable holes 73 in the surface of the format drum 125. in case of a change in format the number ofthe desired format is given to the control device 34 by pressing an indicaror key in the control board 35 or by reading the respective hole combination on the coded control tape in the tape controlled operating unit 36. Consequently, a matrix line to be delivered to the first elevator is held in the intermediate channel of the linecasting machine. Then the adjustment drive motor 37 is actuated by the control device 34', the motor 37 moves the saw slide 15 in an upward direction until its actuating bracket 31 strikes the upper switch 29. Now the format drum [25 is turned by the steppingswitch device 26 until the actuating lever 38 is positioned exactly above the format rod 127 selected to represent the desired format. Thereafter, the adjustment drive motor 37 is reversed and the saw slide 15 moved in a downward direction until the actuating lever 38 strikes the chosen format rod I27 and actuates the lower switch 30. Finally, the matrix line is released again and the linecasting machine restarted to complete its cycle of operation;

A third embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Again, those parts indentical to and described in connection with FIG. I are named identically. The present embodiment is different from the em bodiment shown in FIG. 1 essentially only in its drive and in the construction of the format drum 225 as well as in reverse clutch insofar as the reverse clutch 222 in FIG. 3 is constructed with two sprocket wheels 41 and 42 as described hereinafter.

The drive of the intermediate spindle 13 by the drive motor 14 is effected similarly to the device described in conjunction with HO. 1, i.e., by means ofa double pulley 2|. A gear 39 foredly connected to pulley-2l engages a further gear 40. The gears 39 and 40 can each be coupled to a sprocket wheel 41 and 42 by means of solenoid clutches 74 and 75, respectively, I located within the hubs of the gears 39, 40. To the lower end of the saw-adjusting screw 17 a coupling shaft is provided which consists of an upper shaft 43 and a lower shaft 44 located in a fixed bushing 45. The upper shaft 43 is connected to the lower shaft 44 by means of a universal joint 46. The upper end of the upper shaft 43 is milled on opposite sides and is fitted into the slotted lower end of the saw adjusting screw 17. At the lower end of shaft 44 a further sprocket wheel 47 is fixed. A roller chain 49 connects the sprocket wheels 41, 42,

and 47; it is tensioned by a chain tensioning sprocket 48. By actuating one of the two solenoid clutches 74 or 75 connected to the gears 39 and 40 it is possible to drive the roller chain 49 and the saw adjusting screw 17 in either direction and thus to move the saw slide 15 in an upward or downward direction.

In the face of the cylindrical format drum 225 a number of axis-parallel borings 50 have been provided, for the insertion of the format rods 227. The format rods 227 are inserted into the borings 50 with a slide tit and may be removed from the format drum 225 by means of pins 5! (FIG. 4) titted at right angles at their upper end. The lower ends of the format rods 227 rest against adjustable set screws 52 which are fixed by counter nuts 28. The format drum 225 is driven by a'geared motor 53 by means of two pulleys $4 and 55 and a flexible belt 76. To'arrest format drum 225, a latch 58, actuated by a position locking solenoid 57, engages an index wheel 56.

At the lower end of a switch axle $9, to which pulley 5S and the index wheel 56 are fitted, shalt position indicators 60 are provided. The number and position of indicators 60 equals that of the borings 50, and they can engage into a groove 61 milled into the switch axle $9. With the help of the indicators 60 the respective position of the format drum 225 is fed back to the control device 34 of the type referred to hereinabove.

. FIG. 5 shows the circuit diagram of the control unit for the device for automatic central format setting in accordance with FIGS. 3 and 4. in the right-hand upper corner, the position locking solenoid $7 is shown, as well as the two solenoid clutches 74 and 75 which are fixed to gears 39 and 40 and provide for the upward and downward movement of the saw slide 15. A motor relay Z which switches the main 'power to the geared motor 53 via its working contact 2 is also shown. At the left-hand lower corner of the diagram there is shown a starting relay X with its self-holding (normally open) contacts xL-Normally open contacts X2 complete a circuit for the position locking solenoid 57. A circuit for solenoid clutch 75 istraced through the normally closed side of the changeover switch X3 and the not actuated open lower-limit switch 30, (when the angle bar 33 has struck the format rod 227), to effect the downward movement of saw slide 15. Similarly the normally open side of the working contact of the changeover switch X3, when the upper limit switch 29 is not actuated, completes a circuit for the upward solenoid clutch 74, for an upward movement of slide 15. And when the upper switch 29 is actuated the normally open contact of switch X3 completes a circuit for relay Z. y

The described device is, as an example, constructed with eight positions of the format drum 225. Accordingly, on the left-hand side of FIG. are shown eight connected working contacts I to r8, belonging to m many indicating keys 81 to 88 (which are located in the control board 35); eight indicating lamps 62, connected to the positive terminal with one of their connections; and also eight changeover contacts pl to p8 belonging to as many positionindicators 60, the common contact of which is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply. The working contacts :1 to :8 are connected on their multiply switched side to the self-holding contact x1 of the starting relay X, and with the other side to the normally open side of the respective changeover contacts pl to p8 of the position indicators 60. The working contact of one of contacts Pl to P8, when actuated, connects one of the indicating lamps 62 to a negative terminal of ,the power supply. By

common connection 63 to the negative terminal of the power supply. The common connection 63 leads to the starting relay X via a release switch 64, closed only when the linecasting machine is in its at rest position before the start of amachine cycle. The other side of the starting relay X is connected to the positive terminal. lf, therefore, an indicator key, c.g., 81, is pressed when the iinecasting machine is in its at rest position, its wiping contact r actuates the starting relay X which becomes self-holding by way of its working contact xl, the working contact r of its indicator key 8| and the normally closed changeover contact p of the respective position indicator 60.

The circuit elements thus far described are associated with manual or key operated control of central format setting. To achieve the automatic central format setting by means of a tape-controlled operating unit 36, a number of additional relays and switches are provided. in the right-hand part of FIG. 5 are shown four relays Fl to F4 of a first storage level, with their self-holding contacts {11 to {41, as well as four relays F5 to F8 of a second storage level, with their first selfholding contacts 151 to fill and their second self-holding contacts 152 to 182. The relays Fl to F8 are connected to the negative terminal of the power supply by their self-holding contacts fll to 181. On the same side, relays Fl to F4 are actuated via the input terminals 7! by means of the code combination in the punched tape, read by the operating unit 36, and also relays F5 to F8 via the working contacts 112 to [42 of relays Fl to F4. On their other side, relays Fl to F4 are connected to each other and, via a normally closed contact 65 of the transfer switch of the linecasting machine, to the positive terminal. The relays F5 to F8 are connected to the positive terminal in the first instance via the coupling diodes 78 and a normally open contact 66 of the transfer switch; and secondly via their second self-holding contacts 152 to 182 and an end switch 67, actuated by the automatic mold turning device of the linecasting machine. The normally closed contact 65 of the transfer switch is delayed in such a way that it will only open when the normally open contact 66 of the transfer switch is closed. in this way it is achieved that a code combination stored in the first storage level of the relays Fl to F4 is only cancelled (by actuation of the transfer switch 65, 66), after it has been transferred to relays F5 to F8 of the second storage level.

The relays F5 to F8 hold themselves via their second selfholding contacts 1'52 to f82, and the end switch 67, when the transfer switch is actuated and relays Fl to F4 are available to accept a new code combination. A circuit for holding relay 68 can be traced througha third row of normally open working contacts 153 to 183 of relays F5 to F8 of the second storage level and the end switch 67. This switch 67 is actuated by the automatic mold-turning device, of which relay 68 is a part.

When relay 68 is energized it operates the latch to hold a delivered matrix line in the intermediate channel.

The working contacts :1 to :8, of the indicating keys 8! to 88 are connected in parallel to a relay contact tree consisting of c0ntactsj54 to j86 of the relays F5 to F8, and the wiping contacts r'l to ['8 of the indicating keys 81 to 88 are connected in parallel to a series circuit consisting of the latch contact 69, which is closed when the latch in the intermediate channel engages through actuating the holding relay 68, and the impulse contact 70, which closes shortly after the delivered matrix line passes the transfer slide. in this way, the same circuits are actuated when a code combination in the' punched tape is read, as are actuated by pressing a corresponding one of the indicating keys 81 to 88.

in the following, the operation of the third embodiment of the device for the automatic central format setting shown in FlGS. 3 and 4 is described in detail with the help of the circuit diagram of the control device 34 shown in FIG. 5. First, in the preparation of a typesetting work, the format rods 227 are chosen in accordance with the formats demanded by the manuscript. They are then inserted into the borings 50 of the format drum 225. Format rods 227 in the format drum 225 that are not to be used may easily be removed with the help of their pins 51. Should a fine adjustment ofthe format rods 227, or an adjustment to a format not available in rod length, be necessary, it can easily be achieved by turning the set screws 52 after loosening the counter nuts 28.

in manual operation the choice of a desired format is effected by pressing the corresponding indicating key 8i to 88, bearing the number of the position of the format drum 225 in which the respective preselected format rod 227 is inserted. For example, the fourth indicating key 84 is actuated. Through this operation the common connection 63 is shortly connected via the wiping contact I, and, since the release switch 64' is closed in the at rest position of the linecasting machine, starting relay X is energized. Also, the respective lamp 62 in the indicating key 84 is switched on via this contact 1'4. At the same time, the working contact :4 is closed so that the starting relay X can remain energized through its self-holding contact xl, the working contact r4, and the normally closed side of the changeover contact p4.

The working contactx2 of the starting relay X completes a circuit to energize the position-locking solenoid 57, which, consequently, removes its latch 58 from the index wheel 56 and thus releases the format drum 225. The changeover contact x3 excites solenoid clutch 74 via the nonactuated upper limit switch 29. The solenoid clutch 74 couples the continuously turning gear 39 with itssprocket wheel 41'. The roller .chain 49 starts moving and drives, via the sprocket wheel 47 and the shalt assembly 43 to 46, the saw adjusting screw 17 in such a way that the saw slide 15 is moved in an, upward direction. As soon as the angle bar 33 lifts from the format rod 227, then in position, the lower limit switch'30 closes.

.As soon as the saw slide 15 reaches its upper position, which advantageously is positioned a little above the maximum format of the linecasting machine, the upper limit switch 29 is opened and deenergizes the solenoid clutch 74. This/ declutches the gear 39 and the sprocket wheel 41, and thu terminates the upward movement of the saw slide 15. At th same time, the motor relay 2 is excited which, via its working contact 2, switches on the geared motor 53. The geared motor 53 moves the format drum 225 via pulleys 54 and 55 and the flexible belt 76 until the fourth'position of the drum 225 is reached and the fourth format rod 227 is positioned straight below the angle bar 33. This is indicated by the feeler 89 of the fourth position indicator 60 which engages into the groove 61 of the switch axle 59 and thus switches the contact t4 of the indicating key 84.

in this way, the self-holding circuit of the starting relay X is interrupted and the relay X is restored to its deenergized state. The changeover contact x3 changes position and deencrgizes the motor relay Z. The relay 3 disengages and thus stops the geared motor 53. The working contact 02 is opened to deenergize the position locking solenoid 57; the latch 58 of the solenoid 57 engages into the index wheel 56 and arrests, in this way, the format drum 225 and adjusts it, at the same time, in its called for position.

in changing over to the new format, contact x3 completes a circuit through its normally closed position to energize the solenoid clutch 75 for downward movement, the lower switch 30 being closed at this time. 'lhe clutch 222 now couples the gear 40 with the sprocket wheel 42 and in this way the roller ain 49 is turned in the opposite direction to move the saw SI e downward. When the angle bar 33 strikes the new fort rod 227 it actuates the lower switch 30. This is opened to eenergize the solenoid clutch 75 and terminate the downward movement of the saw slide 15.

By these means, the linecasting machine is set to the new format and the device for the automatic central format setting is again in its initial position so that the typesetting work can be continued with the new format. in tape-controlled work, the selection of a desired format is effected in a similar way with the difference that the function of the actuated 131 key, e.g. 84, is taken over by the contacts j$4 to 186 which make up a relay contact tree and the contacts 69 to 70.

When the operating unit 36 reads the combination for the setting of a new fonnat from the punched tape, for instance, for the setting of the fourth format again, the relays F3 and F4 are actuated via the input terminal 71 and the normally closed contact 65 of the transfer switch. The relays 73, 74 hold themselves by means of their self-holding contacts 131 to I41 and the code combination into the second storage level. if the transfer switch is now actuated by the operating unit 36, its working contact 66 is closed first so that the relays F5 and F6 are actuated and hold themselves by means of their self-holding contacts 151 to {61. Consequently, the normally closed contact 65 opens, and relays F3 and F4 are deactuated and thus, are ready to accept a new code combination. if the transfer switch is now released, its working contact 66 opens. However, relays F5 and F6 hold themselves via their second self-holding contacts 132 to 162 and the end switch 67.

The holding relay 68 is energized through the working contacts 133 to 163 of relays F5 and F6 and it actuates the latch, which holds the matrix line in the intermediate channel. When the latch engages, its latch contact 69 is closed.

When the impulse contact 70 at the transfer slide is now shortly actuated by the delivered matrix line, the starting relay X is energized and holds itself via its self-holding contact x], the normally closed side of the changeover contact 174, the normally open side of the changeover contacts 155 and 165, as well as the normally closed side of the changeover contacts p4 of the fourth position indicator 60. The adjustment operation now takes place as described above for manual operation.

prepare, via their working contacts 132 to [42, the transfer of After the angle bar 33 has struck the format rod 227 and thus opened the lower switch 30, the switch 67 is also actuated through the mold turning device and relays F5, F6, and holding relay 68 are deenergized so that the device for the automatic central format setting is back in its normal position and the typesetting work can be continued in the new format.

it will be appreciated that other embodiments of the invention can be provided without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, the specification and drawing are to be interpreted in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

l. in a linecasting .machine having -an assembler slide mechanism adjustable for varying line lengths, a left-hand vise jaw means adjustable for varying line lengths, means interconnecting said slide mechanism and said jaw means, and means for manually adjusting said slide mechanism and said jaw means simultaneously for a preselected line length, apparatus for automatically setting said slide mechanism and said jaw means to common predetermined line length setting in response to a line length signal, said apparatus comprising a movable carrier, a plurality of line length stops, each rcmovably mounted on said carrier, meansfor signalling a predeterrnrned line length, motor means responsive to sar signal means for moving said carrier to bring a selected stop into line length setting position, circuit means for determining when said movable carrier has brought a selected stop into line length setting position and for arresting said motor means at that time, and power means for moving said interconnected slide mechanism and said jaw means to a maximum line length position and then to a line length position detennined by the line length stop brought into line length setting'position.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 including a line saw mechanism interconnected with said slide mechanism and said jaw means, and wherein said line saw mechanism abuts a line length stop to determine the line length setting for said line saw mechanism, said slide mechanism and said jaw means.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 including limit switch means for determining when said interconnected mechanisms reach the maximum line length setting, and limit switch means for determining when said interconnected mechanisms reach the preselected line length setting determined by ajline length stop.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 including means for adjusting each line length stop independently on said movable carrier and means for locking each said stop in its adjusted position.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the movable carrier is a cylinder rotatable about a vertical axis and having a plurality of vertical borings spaced around its circumference, and in which the line length stops are cylindrical rods of varying length that are placed in said borings. 

1. In a linecasting machine having an assembler slide mechanism adjustable for vArying line lengths, a left-hand vise jaw means adjustable for varying line lengths, means interconnecting said slide mechanism and said jaw means, and means for manually adjusting said slide mechanism and said jaw means simultaneously for a preselected line length, apparatus for automatically setting said slide mechanism and said jaw means to common predetermined line length setting in response to a line length signal, said apparatus comprising a movable carrier, a plurality of line length stops, each removably mounted on said carrier, means for signalling a predetermined line length, motor means responsive to said signal means for moving said carrier to bring a selected stop into line length setting position, circuit means for determining when said movable carrier has brought a selected stop into line length setting position and for arresting said motor means at that time, and power means for moving said interconnected slide mechanism and said jaw means to a maximum line length position and then to a line length position determined by the line length stop brought into line length setting position.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 including a line saw mechanism interconnected with said slide mechanism and said jaw means, and wherein said line saw mechanism abuts a line length stop to determine the line length setting for said line saw mechanism, said slide mechanism and said jaw means.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 2 including limit switch means for determining when said interconnected mechanisms reach the maximum line length setting, and limit switch means for determining when said interconnected mechanisms reach the preselected line length setting determined by a line length stop.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 1 including means for adjusting each line length stop independantly on said movable carrier and means for locking each said stop in its adjusted position.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the movable carrier is a cylinder rotatable about a vertical axis and having a plurality of vertical borings spaced around its circumference, and in which the line length stops are cylindrical rods of varying length that are placed in said borings. 